Highlights of Kerala, 7N/8D

Welcome to Kerala, God's Own Country. You are surfing 'the place to visit' in India, besides the Taj Mahal. Kerala is one of the ten 'Paradises Found' by the National Geographic Traveler, for its diverse geography and overwhelming greenery.

If you would like to go on Kerala, to see this fascinating state in South India, or to experience the Tea City (Munnar hills), backwaters and cultural attractions of "God's own country," we can help you plan your tour packages.

INCLUSIONS:
06 nights accommodation in hotels, room category and meal plan indicated as Itinerary.
01 night accommodation onboard air-conditioned houseboat on full meal basis.
All transfers, sightseeing and excursions as per the itinerary in air-conditioned vehicle.
All entrance charges as per the itinerary.
All currently applicable taxes

EXCLUSIONS:
Any entrance charges, which is not mentioned in the given itinerary.
Expenses of a personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, local guides, entrance at monuments, still/video camera fees at monuments, laundry, phone/fax, tips & gratuities and any items not specified above.
Any meals, accommodation or services not mentioned in the itinerary, hotel list or ‘includes’ list.
Any increase in fuel costs.

Detailed Chart

Day 1

Arrival at Trivandrum. The palm-fringed beach of Kovalam is one of the most famous beaches in India. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf, make this beach a paradise come true. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse - sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, catamaran cruising etc. Check in at a beach resort for 02 nights. Rest of the day at leisure or you can explore the handicrafts, jewel & cloth in the shops spread along the waterfront; visit the delightful seafood shacks serving lobsters and tiger-shrimps! Overnight at hotel.

Day 2

Breakfast at hotel. Morning, go for sightseeing of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) the capital city of Kerala is a city, which still preserves the ancient roots of Kerala life. You can still see the relics of ancient architecture prominent in most of its buildings. View Padmanabhaswamy temple; with an imposing seven storied tower, this temple is an excellent example of the Dravidian style of architecture and is one among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India; Horse Palace - the magnificent wooden palace constructed by Travancore king in 18th century & Kuthiramalika Palace, Napier Museum, Zoo. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3

After breakfast at hotel check out and drive to Alleppey.
On arrival, embark a Houseboat for an overnight cruise up to Kumarakom. Cruise through the palm fringed canals; watch the Paddy fields, village folk, relax on board hearing lullaby of the wind and waves. This mysterious strip of emerald green land is stuffed with endless miles of placid backwaters that appends to its charm. Cruise till 6 in the evening by when the houseboat halts in the lake for overnight stay. (Next day, cruising starts at 7.30 am.) Unwind yourself watching the endless strips of greenery passing by you while the boat moves in a relaxing pace. Evening, candlelit dinner onboard. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4

.
After breakfast disembark at Kumarakom and drive to Periyar. A scenic journey past mist capped Western Ghats, spice plantations and open grasslands lined with spectacular water falls & delightful trekking trails form the access to your hideaway here.
Periyar (Thekkady) Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the well-maintained wildlife sanctuaries of South India and it spreads out over an area of 777 sq Kms.. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar river adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. Check in at hotel for 01 night. Afternoon, you can enjoy a boat ride through the Periyar Lake. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5

After breakfast, check out and drive to Munnar, the most beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats.
Munnar is famous for tea estates and is the biggest tea producer in South India. Located 1600 m above the sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Govt. in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Check in at hotel for 02 night. Later we will go for the sightseeing of Munnar. Visit Eravikulam National Park, the natural habitat of the Ibex called Nilgiri Tahar, Mattupetty Dam and the Munnar town. You can enjoy a boat ride in Mattuppetty lake (optional). Walk through the Hills kissing the clouds, breathing the sweet smell of Tea. The endless greenery will make you a poet or dip in your favourite book in the lap of Mother Nature. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6

Munnar

Day 7

After breakfast, check out and drive to Cochin.
Cochin (Kochi), the palm green commercial capital of Kerala is located on the cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas. The older parts of the city have an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country village grafted on to the tropical Malabar Coast. Here you can see the oldest church in India, winding street crammed with 500 year old Portuguese houses, cantilevered Chinese Fishing nets, a Jewish community whose roots go back to the Diaspora, 16th century Synagogue, a palace containing some of India’s most beautiful murals. Check in at hotel for 01 night. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.